BOSTON- Wednesday, April 9, 2014- The Patrick Administration today announced the 2014 Pothole and Winter Recovery Program to support and accelerate the repair of potholes and other damage caused by the recent severe winter weather. The $40 million one-time program will assist all municipalities and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) in performing necessary repairs on state and local roadways and facilities.

“We experienced an extraordinary winter season that caused damage to our roads, bridges, and vehicles well beyond the typical year,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey. “This one-time, targeted program will speed repair and recovery and maintain safe travel for motorists.”

“Our cities and towns already challenged by what seemed to be never ending snow and ice removal now face higher than expected costs in fixing streets, signs, and other transportation facilities,” said MassDOT Highway Division Administrator Frank DePaola. “These funds to be spent immediately this spring and summer will allow all communities to make the most basic and necessary repairs and provide quick improvements for the traveling public.”

The $40 million program includes $30 million allocated to all municipalities according to the same Chapter 90 formula used to provide longer term local road and bridge project funds. MassDOT will receive $10 million to address the greater than normal winter damage to Interstate highways and other state roads.

Since January, MassDOT has received nearly 1,700 pothole reports and already spent more than $880,000 repairing potholes on state roadways. By comparison, the $40 million allocated for the recovery program could pave 530 lane miles of roadway based on current pricing.

The Pothole and Winter Recovery Program is funded through existing FY2014 authorizations available to the department prior to the expected passage of the Transportation Bond Bill and requires all work to be completed by September of 2014.

“After such a long and difficult winter, these funds will help communities repair potholes and other infrastructure,” said Senator Thomas M. McGee. “Having safe and efficient roadways are so important not only to commuters, but to our statewide economy.”

“This was a particularly rough winter and now that the snow has cleared, the damage done to the roads is evident in all areas across the state,” said State Representative William M. Straus. “I’m pleased that the $40 million will enable the roads to be repaired and restored to a good condition, and provide enhanced public safety.”

“This rollercoaster of a winter has wreaked months of havoc on roads all across the Commonwealth. Despite the best efforts of state and city agencies it has been near impossible to keep up with the demand to fix the overwhelming number of potholes the extreme weather left behind,” State Representative Dan Cullinane said. “The $40 million in much needed funding being released today will give city and state transportation departments the ability and resources to finish the job of restoring our roadways as quickly as possible.”

"I would like to thank Governor Patrick and Secretary Davey for directing much needed resources to improving roadway conditions after a long and harsh winter season," said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "The City of Boston has filled 10,176 potholes since January -- a record-setting feat, as a result of seeking more efficient and effective ways to improve the quality of life for Boston residents. Programs such as the 'Potholes and Winter Recovery Program' provide an important tool in those efforts. I look forward to working with MassDOT and other local leaders to translate these funds into results in the coming months."

“The two most important words today are thank you,” said Braintree Mayor Joseph C. Sullivan. “Cities and towns need this money and Governor Patrick has listened; this will make a positive difference throughout the state.”

"This is very good news for cities and towns, and we applaud Governor Patrick, Secretary Davey and the Administration for providing $30 million in pothole and winter recovery funds," said Geoffrey C. Beckwith, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. "This year's punishing winter has damaged local roads, generated countless potholes, and placed a huge burden on local taxpayers as municipal leaders work to shore up their crumbling roadways," Beckwith said. "Communities will put these funds to immediate use rebuilding and repairing roads in every corner of Massachusetts, which will save money, help our economy and improve public safety."

MassDOT also appreciates the public's help throughout this winter season in reporting pothole locations on state roads, allowing repairs to be made as quickly as possible.

If you see a pothole, please call MassDOT at 857-DOT-INFO (857-368-4636), Toll Free at 877-MA-DOT-GOV (877-623-6846), or visit our online contact information web page to send us an e-mail.

In 2009, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) was created to unify the state’s various transportation agencies. MassDOT now includes the Highway Division, the MBTA and Rail Transit Division, the Aeronautics Division, and the Registry of Motor Vehicles. MassDOT is committed to providing a safe and reliable transportation system to all those who travel in the Commonwealth and works to deliver excellent customer service. MassDOT has been nationally recognized for its innovative approach to transportation, including the Accelerated Bridge Program, the “Where’s My Bus and Train?” apps and “Fast 14” work. For more information, visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot blog: http://blog.mass.gov/transportation/, or follow MassDOT on twitter at https://twitter.com/MassDOT and Facebook at www.facebook.com/massdotinfo.